All experts agree on the same thing. Rafa Nadal’s farewell was not up to par with his career. Perhaps because it was too soon and no one expected Spain to be eliminated by the Netherlands or, perhaps, because the organization was not up to par.
Others missed having personalities like Pau Gasol, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in the stands to say goodbye to him. And of all of them, the last to speak out has been the Serbian, who has chosen to write a heartfelt letter and record a video for the Spaniard reviewing his career and leaving their rivalry on the court buried forever.
“From the heart, from Nole to Rafa:
Rafa. First of all, congratulations on your incredible career. Your family, your team and yourself should be very proud of everything you have achieved throughout your career for more than 20 years. In the locker room we will miss your warm-ups, your sprints, your jumps, your competitive ludo, the games you had with your team before your matches. We shared many fun moments in the locker room, I just hope that everyone celebrates your career today because there is a lot to embrace and a lot to celebrate, even if it is a sad day for tennis, for Spain and for sport in general that you retire.
I think that The most important thing is the mark you leave in terms of connection with peoplehow you inspired millions of children around the world to pick up a tennis racket. How you transmitted your passion and your love for the game, how you performed on the court, how you respected your opponents and the entire tennis ecosystem throughout your career. Your tenacity, your fighting spirit, the energy you brought at all times, the strength, the power, is something that will be studied and that will be transmitted to many generations that come and aspire to be like you as a person and as a great champion. I feel very honored and excited to have been your rival in the last almost 20 years in which we have played more than 60 games.
I have learned a lot in our meetings. Thank you very much for making me the player I am and have been over the last 20 years. The world of tennis and sports will miss the incredible energy you put on the court. My friend, I wish you the best of luck with your charitable foundation, with your family and with your Rafa Nadal Tennis Academy that continues to thrive, that continues to spread throughout the world where you will be able to spread experiences, knowledge, passion and love that you have for the game to the younger generation. Thank you very much and good luck, my friend.”.
Novak Djokovic’s tribute to Rafael Nadal 👇🏻
🇷🇸 🇪🇸 🥲
pic.twitter.com/Df7vgjfG5Q
— Swish 🍒 Tennis (@Zwxsh) November 21, 2024
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